Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence? It's a surprisingly direct document. (Go here and watch some amazing people read it aloud for you.)
Then think about what we're doing here today: celebrating our freedom from tyranny, the courage of our forebears. It's a miracle that we have today what they conceived, roughly, in 1776. It took a few years to iron out a few of the details, but the single act of sedition did a lot for our nation and our expectations of the world.
It's a fantastic and wonderful gift we have been given. We accept it without a second thought and toss around the word "rights" without contemplation and without giving it the gravitas it deserves.
So, when you're enjoying that barbecue and watching those fireworks, please take a moment to think about what you're celebrating.
Then make sure you do what you can to keep the flame of liberty, human rights and democracy shining as best you can in your corner of the world — and keep an eye on the people we've chosen to do the same on our behalf.
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